Jimmie Rivera, The Best Fighter in New Jersey Outside the UFC

Recently, many fighters from the North east region have been signing contracts with the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). With many New Jersey fighters moving on to bigger promotions, who is the top fighter in the Garden State without a UFC contract?

A fighter who makes a lot of sense is a bantamweight from Ramsey, N.J. by the name of Jimmie “El terror” Rivera (14-1). Rivera earned his thirteenth straight victory this past weekend when he dominated Cody Stevens at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 35 at the Borgata hotel, spa and casino in Atlantic City, N.J. Previous to his most recent victory, Rivera defeated Sedimar Honorio at World Series of Fighting 5 via unanimous decision. Rivera is also the owner of four wins inside the Bellator cage, most recently defeating Jesse Brock and Brian Kelleher.

Rivera tried out as a featherweight for season 14 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Rivera was defeated by Dennis Bermudez and did not make it into the house. Since the show, Rivera has moved to bantamweight and has not lost since.

Although Rivera has not fought many UFC caliber fighters, he has defeated many of the best fighters the Northeast division has to offer. “El Terror” also earned a unanimous decision victory over former UFC bantamweight, Jared Papazian at King of the Cage: Empire in February of 2011.

Rivera is very well rounded with terrific striking, great cardio, solid wrestling, and a good ground game. Eleven of his victories have come by the way of decision.

Rivera continues to impress many in each and every one of his bouts. Rivera is in need for tougher competition because that is where he belongs. Rivera belongs in the UFC with the ranks of other successful New Jersey fighters like Jim Miller, Frankie Edgar, George Sullivan, and his teammate, Louis Gaudinot. The UFC returns to Atlantic City in July, providing an opportunity for a few fighters with hopes of signing a UFC contract, why not Rivera?